54 | Amielia's VBAC at 42 weeks and 6 days following an emergency caesarean after induction at 41 weeks and 5 days; Indigenous Australian, 'FTP' at 2cm, Group B Strep, VBAC with shorter birth-interval, Meconium stained waters, Special care nursery, Doula

Amielia is a 21 year old Djab Wurrung woman and this week we would like to share her birth stories in celebration of NAIDOC week.

Amielia only found out about the details of her indigenous ancestry when she was 12 and who her family were related to. She grew up learning about her cultural practices and a part of the disappointment in her first birth was the disconnect between these practices and the public hospital system. Later she would learn there was a program dedicated to indigenous women that she would seek to be a part of in her next pregnancy.

When she first fell pregnant it was unexpected but despite this her partner vowed to support her no matter which path she took. She speaks about the lack of knowledge she had going into the pregnancy and how it felt going through her first pregnancy amid Covid lockdowns in Victoria.

At 41 and 5 days, doctors suggested an induction which she agreed to. She had tested positive for Group B Strep. After what was deemed ‘failure to progress’ at 2cm dilation Amielia felt powerless and agreed to an emergency caesarean after her baby’s heart rate started to show signs of distress.

After this experience Amielia did not want to be induced again. She hired a student doula and ended up experiencing the vaginal birth she always wanted at almost 43 weeks. Due to her baby passing meconium in her womb she agreed to have her baby tested for infection and tells us how her baby ended up staying in hospital for 5 days and what that experience was like for her.

Thank you Amielia for sharing your VBAC journey with us.

NAIDOC week: https://www.naidoc.org.au

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~ Notes ~

Doula: Courtney

https://beyondbirthcollective.com.au

Instagram of womb specialist: @rosewomb_x

VBAC Australia Support Group (Facebook):

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vbac%20australia%20support%20group

Perinatal Depression & Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks.

The Gidget Foundation

https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/,

PANDA

https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helpline

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Cope

https://www.cope.org.au

**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.

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